tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56743549316667541102017-09-06T04:42:47.741+02:0026.2 to GoBonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-57384681780725432502013-12-10T12:39:00.004+01:002013-12-10T12:39:58.768+01:00Training again......for my next half marathon, the <a href="http://www.fivepointsoflife.com/race/five-points-of-life-race-weekend/">5 Points of Life</a> race weekend. It's right here in Gainesville, so I won't have to drive far at all. I did my first run last night. I don't know why I'm doing this.Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-32813932643663993842013-11-11T22:23:00.000+01:002013-11-11T22:23:54.986+01:00Music Monday: Fall Out BoyIt's been a long two months since I last wrote anything. At all. I've barely been running or working out...which is what happens when Life Happens. So in an effort to re-motivate myself, I started using iTunes Radio, the Adult Alternative station... &amp; heard this gem of a song:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/LkIWmsP3c_s/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/LkIWmsP3c_s&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/LkIWmsP3c_s&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><br />This is the kind of song that makes you want to get up &amp; smash things. Lift heavy things. Kill a SlamBall. Run a 9-minute mile...you know, all the things I used to do all the time! I immediately downloaded &amp; added to my workout playlist.<br /><br />I hope you find inspiration in it, too!Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-48554117274308277692013-09-10T19:52:00.002+02:002013-09-10T19:52:42.720+02:00What I'm missing...I was commenting on a <a href="http://www.dailymile.com/people/BSCahill#ref=tophd">DailyMile</a>'s friend's page...he had a "great run &amp; really enjoyed it." I was happy for him; he had some hamstring issues &amp; I know what it's like to finally run pain-free.<br /><br />But then I thought to myself: when was the last time I actually <i><b>enjoyed</b></i> running?<br /><br />The answer: I honestly don't know.<br /><br />Seems crazy, right? I mean, why keep doing something you're not sure you enjoy anymore? After my last, rain soaked half marathon, I think I hated running. Sure, people run in adverse conditions all the time...but it was so damned miserable that it made me hate the sport. Hate it just enough to seriously dabble in other things. I've always lifted, but I found I enjoyed lifting weights &amp; cross fit-type activities more than running.<br /><br />Even today, when I had my first run of the marathon training cycle, I still don't know when the last time I enjoyed running was... Maybe a year ago when I was training for the Munich Half Marathon?<br /><br />As I go forward in my training for the Disney Marathon in January 2014, I hope I will find what I've been missing for quite some time. I hope rediscover the joy &amp; exhilaration of running instead of it always feeling like a job to me. I hope the break I've taken helps me get the excitement back.Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-66260127248704636982013-08-31T23:19:00.001+02:002013-08-31T23:19:44.154+02:00Lost & Found...All at the same timeAfter one international flight from hell &amp; 918 miles of I-95S purgatory, we've finally arrived to our new town, Gainesville. That's the one in Florida, NOT Georgia, in case you're wondering.<br /><br />The flight over was ridiculous. About 5 hours wasted sitting on the tarmac, just waiting for planes to take off. Yes, that's planes PLURAL. Every flight we took was delayed on the tarmac. With our dogs on the flight in cargo &amp; the heat, I was nervous about that. But we all arrived in one piece.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/30/405.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/30/s_405.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm gonna miss you, Alps.</td></tr></tbody></table><center></center><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/30/406.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/30/s_406.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awe man...I want to ski!</td></tr></tbody></table><center></center><br />We spent time in Delaware &amp; New Jersey visiting family. We ran a bit in DE. We hit the gym a bit in NJ because we were able to get a 2 week membership to <a href="http://www.goldsgym.com/paramusnj/">Gold's Gym in Paramus</a>. I didn't get to work out much because I hurt a muscle in my neck, so it really messed things up for us. At one point, I didn't even have full range of motion &amp; couldn't drive at all. It was pretty bad...made worse by an ill-fated attempt to run with said injury. So we only got one week out of our 2 week membership. Which means I lost some of my fitness. :(<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/30/407.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/30/s_407.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Became my FAVE water.</td></tr></tbody></table><center></center><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/30/408.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/30/s_408.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. X got measured for running shoes!</td></tr></tbody></table><center></center><br />But the real fun was visiting my old trainer, Heyda Diaz, at Fort Bragg, NC! She &amp; I went to the gym a couple of times; I'd finally healed by then. She even took me on a "field trip" to GNC to learn about supplements. Which I did &amp; tried. We started small with BCAA to help my "muscle children" stay in place with all my upcoming running (marathon training). We ate VERY well while we were there...her husband is an excellent cook. So is mine, so they were trading secrets. And my husband helped her husband finish building her in-house gym so she can start her business!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/30/409.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/30/s_409.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="238" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Husbands hard at work making pasta!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/30/410.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/30/s_410.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="238" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup. We worked out! <a href="http://byfofitness.com/">www.BYFOFitness.com</a>, folks!</td></tr></tbody></table><center></center><br />Check it out at<span class="userContent"><a href="http://www.byfofitness.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"> www.byfofitness.com</a></span>, by the way. She's doing online &amp; in-house training. I can't recommend Heyda Diaz enough!<br /><br />If it sounds like a boring trip, that's because it was a boring trip. Moving is eventful &amp; uneventful all at the same time. Now that we've found ourselves at our final destination of Gainesville, FL, all our energies are focused on finding a house...&amp; the gym, because we immediately joined <a href="http://www.ghfc.com/">Gainesville Health &amp; Fitness</a>. And started going...because that's what I do!<br /><br />Go Gators!&nbsp; <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(See, I'm learning to blend with the locals)</span>Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-86261907915895658222013-08-24T15:54:00.001+02:002013-08-24T15:54:12.100+02:00Almost there...Still on the move...driving in our final Florida direction. And once there, I'll be able write more...& run more. Because marathon training waits for no one!<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-63185410979366193192013-07-29T17:10:00.001+02:002013-07-29T17:10:12.258+02:00Music Monday: Bowling For Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/lqcULdDQmR0?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br />I don't know how they got their band name...but who am I to question why people bowl?<br /><br />I love running to this song. The beat is perfect for me &amp; the song is all about running. Who could ask for anything more? It's the perfect combination of rhythm &amp; motivation lyrics. It's one of my favorite songs when I'm near the end of the run &amp; need a little added pep to my step.<br /><br />Enjoy!Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-59449390954845942232013-07-18T11:58:00.000+02:002013-07-18T11:58:02.184+02:00I Did it...I've gone &amp; done it now...I just signed up for the <a href="http://www.rundisney.com/disneyworld-marathon/">Disney Marathon on January 12, 2014</a>.<br /><br />What the crap was I thinking?<br /><br />First of all, let's talk expense. $175 to sign up, then I just <i><b>had</b></i> to buy the commemorative necklace (I've got a thing for running jewelry, even though I own only one piece right now)...&amp; after a conversation with Mr. X &amp; the lingering doubts left by my <a href="http://26point2togo.blogspot.it/2011/10/race-recap-part-1-venice-marathon-2011.html">Venice DNF</a>, I went ahead &amp; bought the Race Retreat package...another $120. All I could think is that if it turns out to be very cold January in Florida, then the protection of a temperature-controlled tent is worth that kind of money.<br /><br />I just spent $337.41 to run a race that I'm not even sure I want to do... how much of a sucker am I??<br /><br />After the freak out of actually signing up for this &amp; knowing there are no refunds, I thought about the price. Of course, I didn't have to buy the extras. I chose those amenities because of fear...which I think I'll be glad about in the end. But Disney races are wicked expensive, everyone. If you decide to run one, be ready for how much it's going to cost you. My advice: <b>start saving NOW for next year</b>...for crying out loud it's expensive. <br /><br />When I first started this blog, it was all about my trying to run a marathon...hence the name "26.2 to Go." But then the Venice thing happened &amp; it messed with my head, badly. I stepped back &amp; stuck to what I already knew I could achieve: half marathons.<br /><br />But I'm about to move to Florida. After next week, I'm unemployed. So why not devote the time to running, reaching the fitness level I've dreamed of for the past 6 months, &amp; get on with this marathon thing? Because I'm about to have nothing to do with my days other than this. And as adults, goals are important...goals keep us moving, driving forward, even when we have nothing else going for us. Goals are our adult motivators the way a trip to ToyRUs used to be when we were kids.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: red;">This is the line of crap I was feeding myself, to convince myself, 2 nights ago when I registered.</span></b><br /><br />As I hit the "pay now" button, I said to myself, "I will always find excuses to <i><b>not do</b></i> this...but what are the reasons <i><b>to do</b></i> this?" Time to put up or shut up, folks.<br /><br />Next question I need to answer for myself...Can I do it in 4 hours? I'm nothing if not ambitious, right?&nbsp; ;) Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-91148043908485541142013-07-10T20:42:00.001+02:002013-07-10T20:42:14.798+02:00Our last training session As a gift to her clients, my trainer planned a last minute event: an opportunity for us to go thru HER training session. To see what she goes thru when she's working on herself...which means her husband was running the show. So a few of us met at the cross fit gym for a satisfying & awesome morning. <br /><br />I had to get a pic before we started. And I look ridiculous. I didn't realize how stupid-girlie-style I displayed my "guns."<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/10/1184.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/10/s_1184.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Her husband walked us thru the circuit so we'd know what to expect. I got to do pull ups (or at least try), I even tried to climb a rope! Jumping, kettle bell, dead lifts...a whole bunch of stuff I'm not used to doing. At all. <br /><br />On our second circuit, her husband started taking pics. See all that sweat? That's for real. So was the nausea. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/10/1185.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/10/s_1185.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='188' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />See this? This is me trying to NOT vomit. For the second time in 15 minutes. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/10/1186.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/10/s_1186.jpg' border='0' width='188' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Nope. Not amused. But holy crap, my braids have gotten LONG!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/10/1187.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/10/s_1187.jpg' border='0' width='188' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And finally, we were all done with our circuits. And I tried to look a bit more hard core in my next "guns" pic.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/10/1188.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/10/s_1188.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='188' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />But because we all love her, we couldn't just let her go like that we went out to dinner. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/10/1189.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/10/s_1189.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We all look really nice cleaned up, don't we? And it's always great to know you worked out hard & EARNED that fabulous pizza. <br /><br />She's officially stateside now...& I think we've chatted every single day on Facebook. And I've done very well....I'm still hitting the gym, I'm even showing a friend how to lift before I leave! <br /><br />Sorry for the divergence from the running...but all fitness is good fitness!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-37264272826307689052013-06-29T18:51:00.001+02:002013-06-29T18:59:12.276+02:00An Open Letter to My TrainerThis is a bittersweet week for me. One of the toughest parts of military life is making friends, close friends...then leaving them 3-4 years later. The longer you're in the lifestyle, the more Facebook friends you have... that you eventually lose track of because of distance. The mantra of "out of sight, out of mind" is a tangible way of military living. <br /><br />In 2010, I took my first real steps towards weight loss. I weighed in at 171 lbs. &amp; couldn't get ahead of it. I found a personal trainer thru our on post gym &amp; got to work. I made progress &amp; felt good about it. But the best thing she did for me, I think, was to introduce me to Heyda Diaz. She was moving, you see, &amp; Heyda was newly-certified &amp; looking for clients. She thought Heyda &amp; I would be a good fit.<br /><br />In the military life, it always comes back to moving.<br /><br />When I first met Heyda, she was on a treadmill. My trainer said, "let me introduce you really fast, because we can't interrupt her workout; she will <b>not</b> like that. But I want her to know who you are &amp; that you're interested."<br /><br />That. Was. Intimidating. I'm not sure Heyda even knows about this part of the story. I was honestly afraid to talk to her after that...I wasn't sure if she even liked me.<br /><br />After my trainer left, I started working with Heyda. It was an adjustment for me, especially because I'd gotten used to my regular routine. But my routine wasn't good enough for Heyda. She knew I had more, could do more, could <i>be</i> more, if I just worked for it.<br /><br />And work we did. For 3 years, she's been what I refer to as "my sponsor." When I didn't understand what truly eating healthy meant (i.e. clean eating), Heyda explained it clearly so I could cook better &amp; in a way that made sense for me that I could actually stick to. When I needed support during an office party because there was a 6-layer chocolate cake &amp; I was having trouble staying strong, I texted Heyda a cry for help...&amp; she spent at least 20 text messages helping through those crucial 5 minutes of temptation. When I wanted to be a better runner, Heyda figured out creative ways to make my legs faster because she knows I hate speed work. When I flat out refused to give up my coffee, Heyda figured out a caloric way for me to keep it in my diet. And after my last half marathon, when I realized I still had more, could do more, could <i>be</i> more, Heyda helped me develop a training plan to remove the walk breaks from my running routine.<br /><br />Now, it's three years later. And it's the military, so it's time for us all to go our separate ways...Heyda to North Carolina...me to Florida. And when I told Heyda we'd be driving through her area, she immediately offered to open her home to 2 weary travelers (&amp; 2 crazy dogs). Heyda just doesn't stop...she always has more to give her clients &amp; her friends. <br /><br />Heyda helped me change my life. It's going to be tough to continue without her constant encouragement &amp; support, but it's time to stand on my own &amp; use the tools she gave me. But I know if I really need it, she'll only be a text or FB message away. Because if I know anything, it's this: Heyda will never give up on me. I can always rely on her to remind me that I have more, can do more, can <i>be</i> more.<br /><br />So thank you, Heyda, for these three years. You gave me something I didn't even know I was looking for. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/29/904.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/29/s_904.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="321" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me &amp; Heyda after an awesome session!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-49206808600375957352013-06-26T06:46:00.001+02:002013-06-26T06:46:13.729+02:00Retraining is Hard. I can't lie...retraining is hard.<br /><br />Let me explain:<br /><br />When I graduated from Couch-to-5k to longer distances, I adopted the 10/1 method of running. I'd run for 10 minutes, then walk for a minute of recovery. This cycle worked for me. It worked well for me. I even got others who were struggling in long distances to adopt the method & they saw similar successes. <br /><br />Then I had my 1/2 marathon PR.<br /><br />When I realized I could've hit 2 hours (instead of 2:14:55) if I had not taken all those walk breaks, I decided it was time to train myself off of the walks breaks. I worked with my trainer to develop a responsible program...a plan that wouldn't stress me out & would ease me into running full out. <br /><br />And it's been tough. It feels like I've never run before in my life. To complicate the matter, it's been too hot to run outside, so I've been logging miles on the treadmill...which is okay, but NOT the same thing as road running. <br /><br />That's where I'm at. Just trying to learn how to run again so I can hit a 2 hour half marathon. :)<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-53490214754153919242013-06-03T14:56:00.000+02:002013-06-03T14:56:30.694+02:00Re-Post: This. Isn't. Luck.I've never done this before: I've decided to do a re-post to start my week off right. After re-reading this post, I feel inspired. Sure, it might be a bit narcissistic to be inspired by your own words, but sometimes you just need a gut-check moment. Here's mine:<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EpNU8M52ks8/UayR-GFy9zI/AAAAAAAABds/VMGp6ZZ_NRc/s1600/not+lucky.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EpNU8M52ks8/UayR-GFy9zI/AAAAAAAABds/VMGp6ZZ_NRc/s1600/not+lucky.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To Date: 976 Views. Posted 3 OCT 2012</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />There it is. Sometimes it helps to remember it takes hard work &amp; commitment to achieve our fitness goals. And even I need to be reminded every now &amp; again.Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-45522855459735705782013-06-01T10:12:00.005+02:002013-06-01T10:12:47.460+02:00Race Report: Moonlight Half Marathon<br />No better way to reboot my blog than with a race report. And for the first time in the history of my running blog, <b><span style="color: red;">I MET MY RACE GOAL</span></b>. <br /><br />The weather has been tricky here in Italy. I brought FOUR running outfits because I just didn't know what I was going to need. As we set out for packet pick up, it was pouring down rain...right up until I met up with my running buddies. Then the sun came out, but it stayed cold. Hence the red jacket in May.<br /><br /><center></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OLP6-IR0C4Q/Uami8ksHqzI/AAAAAAAABcc/C5SAVc1JPKM/s1600/IMG_5247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OLP6-IR0C4Q/Uami8ksHqzI/AAAAAAAABcc/C5SAVc1JPKM/s400/IMG_5247.JPG" width="400" />&nbsp;</a></td><td style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td><td style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td><td style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td><td style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just too damned cold for May.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we were done with packet pick up, Mr. X &amp; I headed back to our hotel room for some doggie-human-bonding time. Which meant taking the dogs for a walk on the beach, then squatting at a cafe so the humans could get cappuccinos. It was nice; Hermione (LittleDog) is used to traveling, so she loved it. This was our first overnight trip with Penny (BoxerDog). She did <i><b>very</b></i> well.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fYE2BNCeLeA/UamjDOgrMtI/AAAAAAAABcs/eVXagy36SoY/s1600/IMG_5283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fYE2BNCeLeA/UamjDOgrMtI/AAAAAAAABcs/eVXagy36SoY/s400/IMG_5283.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doggie Time!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, it was nap time. I made it a point to lay down &amp; get some sleep. The race started at 8PM, which was later than I'm used to running. So I worked a nap &amp; shower into my schedule. Before I knew it, it was time to get dressed &amp; head out. Getting dressed was a challenge. I really had no idea what to wear. In the end, I'm not sure it mattered much....&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GYF44jF6pKg/UamjByHThjI/AAAAAAAABck/5U5FiAzX54o/s320/IMG_5290.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="213" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to RUN!</td></tr></tbody></table>Here's the problem: it was COLD. Not winter cold or anything, but colder than normal for May in Italy. Complete cloud cover, 55-60 degrees, night time, &amp; pending rain. I got a brilliant idea &amp; sent Mr. X out for trash bags, which I handed out to friends. It was helpful in blocking the wind &amp; holding in warmth. It turns out the race organizers had the same idea; they were handing out yellow trash bags. I went double-trash-bag.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5v0iCFQve0/Uami15FYgiI/AAAAAAAABcE/CcDGjs3FOxk/s1600/IMG_3566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5v0iCFQve0/Uami15FYgiI/AAAAAAAABcE/CcDGjs3FOxk/s400/IMG_3566.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trash Bag Fashion</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The start of the race was strange. No countdown, no gun. There was just a moment when people started running. Of course, we all wanted to start; it was so cold! And aside from the lame start, it was a fairly even, steady race. Nice &amp; flat, beautiful scenery.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Right up until Mile 8.5 or so.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was warned there was an overpass. No big deal. The problem was that about 10 [long] seconds after I saw the overpass, a sheet of rain fell from the sky. I'm talking about torrential downpour. Within 3 seconds, we were all soaked to the skins. Suddenly, I had some decisions to make. The road was flooding &amp; I wanted to preserve my feet for as long as possible. So instead of trodding the soaked roads, I jumped on the small sidewalk. It only had room for one person, so everyone was lined up in a row. No passing. I knew I was losing time...&amp; at the bottom of the overpass, the road was covered in ankle-deep water. Which means I lost that time for nothing; I ended up in the situation I'd been trying to avoid.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By Mile 10, I was feeling the cold, but I wasn't in pain. My legs were perfectly fine...my ARMS were becoming a problem. At Mile 11, I started to feel pain in my arms. I realized all the water sitting on my arms, trapped in those sleeves, was becoming a problem. I thought about taking my shirt off during one of my walk breaks, but I didn't do it...I don't know why &amp; I wish I had...but I didn't. At Mile 12, I had to stop for a second to shake out my arms &amp; try to create circulation; I was having trouble moving them. And at the finish line, this is what it looked like:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nkvow-wmlxI/UamjKvc-TGI/AAAAAAAABdE/FRbaE9JDPO8/s1600/IMG_5305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nkvow-wmlxI/UamjKvc-TGI/AAAAAAAABdE/FRbaE9JDPO8/s640/IMG_5305.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you SEE the rain? Over 3 miles of downpour. I'm on the RIGHT.</td></tr></tbody></table>See all that rain? It was crazy. And what's amazing is that I had enough gas in my tank to sprint to the finish. I was determined to hit my time. I knew I'd lost time on that damned overpass. I was cold, my arms hurt, I thought I could've had hypothermia...&amp; I just wanted it over. In classic fashion, I didn't stop sprinting until well after the finish line. <br /><br />Here are the results:<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J4lQ3AooD_s/Uami3nwjK_I/AAAAAAAABcM/xtP8hzNqaDY/s1600/IMG_3568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J4lQ3AooD_s/Uami3nwjK_I/AAAAAAAABcM/xtP8hzNqaDY/s320/IMG_3568.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I DID IT! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDzOpa_UPYE/UamjHAi2RAI/AAAAAAAABc8/RAVa4TmJG6o/s1600/Moonlight+Half+numbers.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDzOpa_UPYE/UamjHAi2RAI/AAAAAAAABc8/RAVa4TmJG6o/s320/Moonlight+Half+numbers.png" width="248" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can SEE the overpass in these #s.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDzOpa_UPYE/UamjHAi2RAI/AAAAAAAABc8/RAVa4TmJG6o/s1600/Moonlight+Half+numbers.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--PZ1YosFYvA/Uamp9yEZYYI/AAAAAAAABdc/hOF4ALRr7Oc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-26+at+3.16.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--PZ1YosFYvA/Uamp9yEZYYI/AAAAAAAABdc/hOF4ALRr7Oc/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-05-26+at+3.16.26+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Official Times. I DID IT!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><b>FUNNY STORY:</b> After I finished, I went to the drink table to pick up a Gatorade. My arms were so stiff/cold, I couldn't get the bottle open. I was in such a state that I think I ended up yelling for help [in Italian] to the nice Italian gentleman to help me. He was very kind, very understanding...I think. I couldn't really understand what he said but he opened the bottle for me.<br /><br /><b>ANOTHER FUNNY STORY:</b> Mr. X kept trying to get me under the umbrella. Kept saying "Come on, Bonnie! I'll keep you dry!" Seriously? Really? Look at the state of me! It didn't even matter at that point. I'm still chuckling about his insistence that I "stay dry." <br /><br />I waited for my friends to finish, then headed to the tents to change. THE TENTS WEREN'T EVEN DRY. I stood on used trash bags, butt-assed-naked, trying to dry myself off with the small hand towel I'd brought with me. To me, when you can stand butt-assed-naked in front of strangers, you know that you've run a good race...&amp; you're too damned tired. As soon as I peeled that wet shirt off of me, I immediately started feeling better.<br /><br />The official photos from MarathonFoto are terrible. I guess they decided it was too much rain to do their jobs; there are no photos from halfway thru the race, on the course... nothing. In fact, there are pictures I KNOW were taken that were never posted.&nbsp; I'm pretty bitter about that. I was out there running in that crap &amp; they were getting paid to take pictures. And now I don't have much proof that it was as awful as I say it was. I wanted those pictures as proof that I made it thru that AND hit my target time.<br /><br />After we all changed clothes, we headed to a restaurant for pizza &amp; beer. Of course, I only ate the pizza. Truth is, we didn't celebrate our PRs until the following day, when we made it home &amp; went to dinner together.<br /><br />Before leaving the beach, however, the dogs deserved a reward for behaving so well during race weekend. So I leave you an awesome action photo.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--wexbeJw9ec/UamjLwveR_I/AAAAAAAABdM/ikfff5g-jUI/s1600/IMG_5356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--wexbeJw9ec/UamjLwveR_I/AAAAAAAABdM/ikfff5g-jUI/s640/IMG_5356.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penny loves the beach!</td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;<div class="blogpress_location">Location:<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Lido%20di%20Jesolo,%20Italy&amp;z=10">Lido di Jesolo, Italy (race location)</a></div>Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-44517660866907021062013-05-28T15:23:00.002+02:002013-05-28T20:48:24.626+02:00Reboot...As I'm sure is obvious, I lost interest in blogging for awhile. But now I'm working on a reboot, starting with a new header with more current pics. <br /><br />My next big post is going to be a race review of the Moonlight Half Marathon. Sometime this week... I promise. With pictures!<br /><br />Thanks for sticking around thru my growing pains. <br />Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-25008885829881208022013-01-08T09:41:00.002+01:002013-01-08T09:41:45.420+01:00Be. Better.That was my mantra Monday morning. I set my alarm for 0435 with the intention of hitting the treadmill before going to work. The alarm went off as scheduled but I did not get out of bed. I rolled over &amp; pulled the covers back over my head. It was an <strong><em>epic</em></strong> failure &amp; I was disappointed in myself all day because of it. And did I try to recover at the end of my day? Nope. I spent the entire day feeling sorry for myself instead of being better.<br /><br />This morning, my alarm went off at 0435. Again. And again, I turned it off &amp; proceeded to roll back over. I contemplated not getting up... &amp; almost talked myself out of it. But something snapped &amp; my brain screamed at me: <strong>BE BETTER!</strong> I violently threw myself out of bed (I slipped &amp; almost fell), shoved my contacts in my eyes, yanked my retainer out without brushing my teeth, suited up in a new cute outfit (unintentional; it was set out from days ago &amp; I never used it), &amp; jumped on the treadmill. <br /><br />It was later than I wanted to start, but I figured it didn't matter how many miles I logged so long as I logged them at all. I figured I could get in 2 miles; less than my usual run, but the achievement was waking up &amp; getting it done. And as <strong><em>always</em></strong> happens, the first mile blew by &amp; I decided to stick it out for my usual&nbsp;3 miler. <br /><br />And the best part of my morning? Getting to put a dollar in my "Fitness Fund" jar. This year, I'm saving a dollar/euro for every workout I do. And if I ski 20 miles in a day, I get a shiny $5. I also write the day down on the jar, the goal being to have the jar completely&nbsp;written on&nbsp;by the end of the year.&nbsp;It was super-satisfying to put that dollar in my jar this morning!<br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5830991965054682018"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-51zQoUixPHM/UOvYTF09w6I/AAAAAAAABWM/PUS5szRbHGE/s400/7.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="297" /></a></center><br />And now the rest of my day is set. I already feel better knowing I don't have this hanging over my head for later. I am pleased with myself because I fought the duvet &amp; won the battle. What does winning the war look like? Doing this all week. And now that I've done it once, I know I can do it again... so long as I don't worry about straightening my hair before work. <br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5830992046389386290"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-F2Aoxr5Iwx0/UOvYX00q3DI/AAAAAAAABWU/4yXgLHx_uBU/s400/8.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center><br /><br />Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-60386121039866123802013-01-02T14:00:00.000+01:002013-01-02T14:00:55.298+01:00Ringing in a new year....<strong>100% honesty: December 2012 sucked. </strong><br /><br />After I came back from London, I skied once. Then I got really sick for about 2.5 weeks &amp; could barely walk up the stairs without hacking my lungs up. Then I skied again... then I got food poisoning. Then my iPhone died. You see the horrible&nbsp;pattern&nbsp;here?&nbsp;When December 31st rolled around, you couldn't have seen a happier human being than myself... because I wanted the month to end. Desperately.<br /><br />2013 got off to a great start. I came home from a party &amp; decided to plug my iPhone in (around 1:30 AM), just to see if it would work. And miraculously, my iPhone was resurrected! My power button broke a long time ago &amp; I've been too cheap to have it fixed. But that becomes a problem when your software crashes &amp; you need to do a hard reset... but you can't because the power button is broken. By letting the battery completely drain, I forced a hard reset. Not on purpose, obviously. I thought it needed a funeral. I even bought a new phone; not a new iPhone, but a cheapy Android-based Samsung smartphone. But now that I've seen Proof-of-Life in my iPhone, I'm going to finally take it for service. New screen, power button, &amp; possibly even battery. I'll have a practically brand-new device! And in the meantime, I've got a serviceable smartphone replacement. It's never a bad thing to have a back up cell phone.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to a year of [possible] big changes &amp; big plans. I'm just like everyone else; I came up with resolutions/goals for 2013... &amp; took the process <em><strong>so</strong></em> seriously that I wrote them on a Post-It note. Hear the sarcasm? Yeah, that's because my resolutions/goals haven't changed much from last year. That's kinda disappointing, really. I hope to do better this year. And after&nbsp;A Long December of non-existent fitness, I'm looking forward to getting back on track, doing the right thing, &amp; continuing to size down. <br /><br /><strong>Let's hear it for a healthy, fit, &amp; happy 2013!</strong>Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-34679216489858376362012-11-26T11:42:00.001+01:002012-11-26T11:42:37.200+01:00Thinking Deep Thoughts...I started this blog as a way to write about my running experiences while training for, &amp; completing, a full marathon. I started with the idea that I'd run Edinburgh, but my husband couldn't get the time off for the travel. I tried the Venice Marathon &amp; famously DNF'd it at 16.5 miles. Since then, I've had a few successful smaller 5ks &amp; 10ks, plus 2 half marathons with a third on the way.<br /><br />I don't know what to do next.<br /><br />I want to run a full marathon. I feel like I need to get back on that horse &amp; ride it into the sunset. But if I'm entirely honest, I'm really lazy about running right now. I find it incredibly difficult to get out in the cold &amp; log any miles whatsoever. I've even started running during my lunch break just to make sure I keep the legs moving. I finally started running with Penny; we're up to 2 miles together. I even bought her a new leash to make it easier for both of us. But while I really want to do the marathon, I keep struggling with the time it takes to train for the marathon. And I can't deny there's a little fear involved for me. I don't ever want to be hurt again like I was hurt.<br /><br />There are no shortcuts to the marathon. In the words of Yoda, "You must complete the training!" I think I'm in much better shape now. I'm a fitter, leaner version of myself. Running isn't nearly as painful (mentally &amp; physically) as it used to be. So I guess the only thing really holding me back is my fear. Fear of failing at this huge endeavor all over again. I have no idea how to deal with that in my head. And I feel like the more I push this into the future, the less likely it is that I'll commit &amp; complete the full marathon distance. <br /><br />I have this feeling it's poop-or-get-off-the-pot time &amp; I don't know what to do. Yes, it's entirely self-imposed... I get that. But it's a strong feeling nonetheless.Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-66051326768447144442012-11-21T10:40:00.000+01:002012-11-21T10:40:42.598+01:00Another clean week down!I'm a bit late posting this, but better late than never. Another week of clean eating &amp; another update. <br /><br />Last week was a fairly decent week. I took Penny out for our first mile together. She's going to be&nbsp;a great runner, but she's really nervous of everything around her. It made the mile a little bit challenging... &amp; I also figured out I need a much better leash for her to make it easier to hold onto her while we're running together.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5811342945981797458" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_ZQz7YFVlCc/UKYJnps3lFI/AAAAAAAABUY/fVkjU7G5BbQ/s288/12.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blurry: Penny licking my face</td></tr></tbody></table>﻿﻿Just one mile? No way! But it was very dark &amp; I didn't want to be out by myself. So I popped onto the treadmill for 3 more miles. I left my warm clothes on; it was&nbsp;a bit warm but I made it through. And I'm wearing my new favorite shirt: <a href="http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/RRL2023/">Road Runner's Softy Wool Long Sleeve</a> running shirt. I can't express how much I love this shirt. It's soft and cozy and has thumb holes. How can&nbsp; you go wrong? I wish they sold more than just two colors, though. I'd wear them ALL THE TIME just "because."<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5811343018419839154" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ly28Bjkxo8g/UKYJr3jcYLI/AAAAAAAABUg/vmUI6JiEgNQ/s288/8.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In my new favorite running shirt.</td></tr></tbody></table>After 4 miles of running, I was hungry. I finally perfected my Pumpkin Protein Smoothie. One of my favorite ways to serve this up is in a big fattie Austrian beer glass. My husband got this for me December 2011 while we were in <a href="http://www.skiwelt.at/en/">SkiWelt</a>. I loved Stiegl Weisse beer, so we stopped at a grocer to buy some on the way home. He's so crafty; he bought a beer gift set, which included this awesome glass. But now that I don't consume adult beverages, it's just been sitting in my cabinet... until now. Now it's my protein shake receptacle. <br /><br />Here's how I make this: 1 scoop&nbsp;vanilla protein power,&nbsp;1/3 cup canned pumpkin puree, 1/2 to a full cup of almond milk (based on creamy preference), 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, &amp; cinammon &amp; pumpkin pie spice to taste. Add Ice &amp; blend. Depending on how much almond milk &amp; ice you prefer, the larger the glass you will need. When I'm making the full amount, I bust out this glass.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5811343134332706098" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-edu90b7FaDY/UKYJynXOXTI/AAAAAAAABUo/22nX2yyq1-s/s288/7.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin Protein Shake of Awesome.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I took advantage of my Monday off &amp; went on another shopping trip. Weight loss is great, but it had meant a lot of shopping to reboot my entire wardrobe...right down to my underclothes. And that's an expensive undertaking.. &amp; it takes a lot of time. So I take advantage of all my extra time and money to buy new clothes. <br />﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿ <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5811343214122798514" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pwh-usPOwio/UKYJ3QmqjbI/AAAAAAAABUw/rbCm8UmBT_w/s400/9.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New clothes FTW.</td></tr></tbody></table>﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿And after all that, it was weigh-in time. I wasn't expecting too much, but I was surprised that I'd lost another pound! It amazed me because I upped my daily caloric intake during the week to counterbalance the lunch time running.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5811343355984505970" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-L6-cwWuILY4/UKYJ_hFIbHI/AAAAAAAABVA/zVQFuz0PRHE/s288/10.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clean eating results</td></tr></tbody></table>Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, the official end of my clean eating streak. I've been about 90% successful in my streak. I count that as success because it helped to keep my weekends honest. I also discovered new mealsl &amp; new favorite times-of-day to do my grocery shopping. I figured out that running during lunch =&nbsp;easy way to&nbsp;log miles.&nbsp;I even invented my own protein shakes. I think it's been a successful streak for me. This is a way of life for me, but this was a productive exercise in learning new recipes &amp; ways to make the clean eating lifestyle fit for me. Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-62513849367583798562012-11-09T09:28:00.000+01:002012-11-09T09:28:07.488+01:00Clean Eating: 2 weeks laterI resolved to go on a clean eating streak from my birthday (October 29th) to Thanksgiving. My thoughts on clean eating are this: it's super easy to do... but it means really cooking food. Not food out of boxes, by the way. All fresh ingredients. If you're doing it for every single meal, it can be fairly time consuming. If you're me, then you find ways to cheat. How? Become intimately acquainted with your crock pot!<br /><br />I frequent <a href="http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/">The Gracious Pantry</a> web site, which is where I got this recipe. I'm starting branch out from there. For example, did you know there's a <a href="http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/">Clean Eating Magazine</a>? My friend bought me an issue for my birthday &amp; it looks like the Nov/Dec issue focuses on slow cooker/crock pot recipes. Yes, I'm picking that one up; I might even buy a subscription! <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5808719705513077282" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wTqZBd3dTso/UJy3y9brKiI/AAAAAAAABTQ/xZv7XnnbrDg/s400/8.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin &amp; Black Bean Chili w/Ground Turkey</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This recipe make 4-freaking-quarts of chili. I've had chili all week <strong><em>and</em></strong> gave some away. That's my favorite thing about crock pot recipes: there's left overs to last all week. So you can eat clean without trying to hard.<br />Eating clean <strong><em>does not mean</em></strong> crossing desserts off the menu. It just means eating the right type of dessert as a treat. I was at a friend's house for dinner; she knows I'm on a clean eating streak, so she made baked apples with an oatmeal cinnamon raisin topping.<br />﻿﻿﻿ <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5808719767251252562" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nCvC_Mn1jP8/UJy32jbM9VI/AAAAAAAABTY/nxmOfrxcJts/s400/9.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first-ever baked apple!</td></tr></tbody></table>﻿﻿﻿<br />Wow... it was yummy! I wanted to take the topping off, mix some protein powder into it, &amp; make homemade protein bars. It was seriously delicious. And it doesn't hurt to have supportive friends who #1. like to cook, &amp; #2. are willing to try new recipes so you can be included in the Sunday evening get-togethers.<br /><br />I was feeling super good. Evidence? I finally wore a dress that I bought &amp; left sitting in my closet for about 2 months. There's no real reason I left it sitting; I forgot about it for awhile, then we had a cold streak &amp; it was a bit too chilly to wear it.<br />﻿﻿ <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5808719828051828562" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ciKEup6e13U/UJy36F7MH1I/AAAAAAAABTg/w8yPw9pnyfU/s400/10.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Party Rock at Work? Why not?</td></tr></tbody></table>﻿﻿<br />New dress, shoes... everything. And it felt great. I got a ton of compliments from everyone who saw me &amp; saw this picture. I know we're not supposed to look to others for validation... that we all need to find self-satisfaction &amp; all that self-esteem crap, but it definitely feels good when others compliment you after working really hard to achieve fitness goals. <br /><br />Yesterday, my friend Lisa stopped by my office. She ordered a birthday present for me that did not arrive in time... but who cares about time when it's THIS EPIC??!!!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5808719892196233122" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KvEPMyEB_Y0/UJy3904aD6I/AAAAAAAABTo/XkwcpTjPTJ4/s640/11.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Size increased for epic-ness</td></tr></tbody></table>ZOMG! I can't even express how much I love this shirt. It's perfect... there's really not much else to say. I have to say I'm incredibly grateful for my friends here in Italy. They're incredibly supportive, they encourage me &amp; don't sabotage me. It's awesome.<br /><br />Now it's Friday. It's official weigh-in day, as promised. I want to document how a focus on clean eating is affecting my body. And here are the results:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5808719958438074482" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wl4Ffwl3zN8/UJy4BrpsWHI/AAAAAAAABTw/NCCML3YNgb8/s288/7.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whoa...</td></tr></tbody></table>I was expecting a bit of weight loss, but this is pretty dramatic based on my expectation. I'm sure the addition of running during lunch (more on that later) helps to burn those calories, but this is pretty incredible. And I don't remember the last time I've ever weighed under 135 lbs. Clean eating works!<br /><br />There you have it: 2 weeks of clean eating in the can. Approx. 1.5 weeks to go. It's a great lifestyle choice &amp; my body feels so much better. Tons of healthy energy. And to answer a burning question:<strong><em> NO! I did not give up my coffee.</em></strong> I will not give up my only vice.&nbsp; ;)Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-16612205340497680062012-11-05T15:33:00.000+01:002012-11-05T15:33:33.616+01:00Weekend FunI can't lie; I had a fanstastic weekend! I had a girls' night out EVERY SINGLE NIGHT OF THE WEEK. Just a bit ridiculous... &amp; a whole lot of expensive, but I really enjoyed myself. <br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />Friday night was a "Boots &amp; Bras" night. It was all about shopping for boots &amp; bras! Can you think of anything more girlie than&nbsp;a shopping&nbsp;trip devoted to boots &amp; bras?&nbsp;I can't! Sadly, I wasn't successful in my quest on Friday night.&nbsp;We enjoyed our evening, though, &amp; even had dinner out. Gotta love Italy right now because everything is pumpkin. I had a beautiful pumpkin &amp; shrimp pasta. And since the pasta was homemade, it was still "clean." I focused on eating all the pumpkin &amp; shrimp first, then had a few bites of the homemade pasta. It worked fantastically.<br /><br />Saturday, I went to a baby shower. I&nbsp;knew the food wouldn't be "clean," so I brought my own meal with me. Sure, people who don't&nbsp;know me think that's really weird. But I don't give a damn about them. I roll with it because&nbsp;I know&nbsp;those crazy calories just aren't worth it for me. It's an adjustment, for sure, but I'm so used to&nbsp;doing that by&nbsp;now that I don't really think twice about it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Once I saw the food, I was super-glad I had food on me.&nbsp;It was all comfort foods; there wasn't even a veggie tray!&nbsp;Hurray for brown rice &amp; ground turkey! <br /><br />After the shower, a few of us hit the local shopping mall. On the recommendation of friends, &nbsp;I ended up buying this outfit &amp; these boots:﻿﻿ <br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5807321227452785362" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QymEK5Bs0WE/UJe_40rootI/AAAAAAAABSA/AinNQ9vKzYE/s400/7.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ZOMG I'm in leggings!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />﻿﻿ </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5807321286515674306" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-adBSHxiSXrY/UJe_8QtUzMI/AAAAAAAABSI/3KtjMc5DVnM/s288/8.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally found boots to love</td></tr></tbody></table>﻿ <br /><strong><em><span style="color: red;">BIG</span></em></strong> brain adjustment for me to go out in leggings. But after an hour or so, I stopped feeling like I was wearing my underwear in public &amp; felt more comfortable. Well, maybe not <strong><em>entirely</em></strong> comfortable, but I was/am trying to get there. I think a strange thing happens when you gain/lose a lot of weight: you forget how clothes are supposed to look. In the years it took me put it on &amp; take it off, fashion passed me by. I'm learning what's new &amp; fashionable these days...&amp; it's a bit challenging for someone who still feels huge, even though I'm not fat anymore. I find myself amazed at how long you can carry the "fat girl" image in your head.&nbsp;For me, it's&nbsp;true&nbsp;when they say&nbsp;when people get thin, they still&nbsp;see a fat person in the mirror.&nbsp;It's a mental thing; I know it &amp; I have to get over it. And I know the more I step outside my clothing-comfort-zone, the better off I'll be when it comes to wearing fitted clothing. So I try. :)<br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After two full days of romping all over Vicenza, I spent Sunday at home with the puppies.&nbsp;My morning started with an <strong>entire</strong> pot of coffee. Instead of creamer, I've fallen in love with Almond Milk. Makes me feel far less guilty about drinking an entire pot of coffee. I also had a massive headache... kind of like an "I-was-out-too-late-hangover..." the kind of thing&nbsp;that happens when you get older &amp; don't drink when you go out &amp; you're used to&nbsp;going to bed by 9:30 PM.&nbsp;After catching up with "The Vampire Diaries," one of my guilty TV pleasures, I finally decided to do something with my 13.1 sticker. The original plan was to put it on my car. I found a better place for it:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5807321354664539026" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hE6rlC2Uv7U/UJfAAOlR85I/AAAAAAAABSQ/RVJYuMaIyfw/s400/9.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm a fanboy. Deal with it.</td></tr></tbody></table>﻿﻿The other thing I did (for 6 hours) was negotiate the&nbsp;mounds of laundry that needed sorting, folding, &amp; putting away. It was a marathon cleaning session. I even managed to filter out all the clothes that are too big for me now. There was no saving; if it was too big, it went out. And it looked like this:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5807321412040406930" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZJhCr3H98rI/UJfADkUwN5I/AAAAAAAABSY/80uA7jDgk7A/s400/10.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before... That's a lot of lazy right there!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I knew I'd have a lot of clothes to get rid of, but I never expected to have more than a Rubbermaid bin full of clothes. Now all of this is stacked up outside my bedroom. It's really heavy &amp; quite a mess, but my closet &amp; clothes are officially organized. It was awesome to wake up on Monday morning &amp; not have to hunt for matching socks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5807321467640839074" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Qdf128GF1Go/UJfAGzc7e6I/AAAAAAAABSg/g9IWYAZOVIA/s400/11.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't even want to think about lugging this downstairs.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And finally, I got a surprise from a friend: a belated birthday present. Full of clean-eating cooking items. My friends are awesome &amp; supportive &amp; I love them all. She knows I'm cooking real food on the weekends &amp; wanted to give me supplies. I think my favorite thing, though, is the magazine. I'm not creative in the kitchen &amp; desperately need recipes to follow. It'll be great to try new things!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5807321536445213170"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1e40HGUQrJA/UJfAKzxK6fI/AAAAAAAABSo/2d_U1hMsix4/s400/12.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></center><br />It was a really great &amp; social weekend. When your husband is deployed, it's very easy to sit around the house &amp; feel sorry for yourself. That's how the depression spiral starts... which always leads to binge eating. For me, that means overloading on pizza &amp; pasta. I'm very pleased with myself for having a successfully clean weekend while still being social &amp; enjoying myself. <strong><em><span style="color: red;">It's all about finding balance &amp;&nbsp;not holding yourself back from enjoying your life while still working towards your goals.</span></em></strong> When you find those compromises, it feels awesome! And this week?&nbsp;It's all about sticking to the usual routine &amp; lunch time running (my new love).<br /><br />Hope everyone has a great week!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-39890935252836355362012-10-30T14:12:00.001+01:002012-11-09T09:01:43.340+01:00Starting the Streak!I took half a day off work to celebrate my birthday... &amp; I used the time to prepare some foods for the streak! The most important part of any meal plan is having staple items in the fridge ready-to-eat at all times.&nbsp; My staples are brown rice, ground turkey, &amp; hard boiled eggs (HBEs). I eat <strong>a lot</strong> of HBEs.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5804957344541048514" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wocz9-82i1U/UI9Z8ump_sI/AAAAAAAABMA/f3ikJDoPrp0/s400/7.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ground turkey cookey!</td></tr></tbody></table>I spent the rest of the afternoon watching coverage of Hurricane Sandy. It's crazy to think there are places I used to visit, hang out at, &amp; grew up around that may not exist anymore. The Jersey Shore is a great place to visit. It's beautiful. I hope&nbsp;it comes back with gusto next season.<br /><br />I pulled myself together for my birthday dinner at a local Risotteria. That means the main item on the menu is risotto. I finally got to try pumpkin risotto &amp; fell in love with it!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5804957406301303634" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cpwPQkUIVnY/UI9aAUrcs1I/AAAAAAAABMI/7dZlcnrw-ys/s400/8.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin Risotto made with Valpolicella wine</td></tr></tbody></table>Our second type of risotto was Pescatora. That means mixed fish risotto. I didn't like it as much; it was insanely salty. I wish we'd had the pumpkin risotto as our second. It would've been a nice finish.<br /><br />Instead, the big finish was Meringata, which is a type of meringue cake. It wasn't made in a traditional way (layered with a creamy center), but I still enjoyed it. And there was a candle to&nbsp;blow out!﻿ <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5804957502613079586" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mYrzRKmo9qo/UI9aF7d9xiI/AAAAAAAABMQ/apPm1AkWtjA/s400/9.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday to me!</td></tr></tbody></table>﻿<br />I had a wonderful night with wonderful friends. It can be difficult to celebrate anything when your husband is deployed. My friends are awesome! <br /><br />And finally, this morning. The beginning of my clean eating streak. As promised, I did a formal weigh-in. And a weekend of indulgence, then a birthday dinner, definitely took its toll.<br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5804957636751951026"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-17XBXj6V8_c/UI9aNvLKhLI/AAAAAAAABMg/ixrOUwtD1Cc/s288/11.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center><br />I'm not worried, though. I know the streak is going to take this right back down. I've started off great &amp; haven't had any issues today. I even logged some lunch time track miles. My 34th year is off to a fantastic &amp; positive start!Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-84027385618242482372012-10-29T07:20:00.000+01:002012-10-29T07:20:15.965+01:00Birthdays & Clean EatingToday is my 34th birthday.<br /><br />Runner's World (&amp; a lot of bloggers) talk about running streaks. The idea is it pick a fixed time frame &amp; run every single day. Even if it's only one mile, it counts as part of the streak. <br /><br />I'm not into running streaks. I love running, but I don't like running every day. I like to give my muscles a break &amp; do different things so I don't get bored. I like to mix it up with strength training, yoga…. I want to try Zumba, too.<br /><br />The whole streaking thing has led me to a different idea. I'm going to do a clean eating streak from the end of my birthday to Thanksgiving. I already eat fairly clean… except on weekends. I always blow it on weekends. But for this allotted amount of time, I'm going to keep it 100% clean. I'm going to try new recipes on the weekends &amp; mix it up a bit during the week. And I'm sure there will be a whole lot of pumpkin. I seem to love pumpkin. Be prepared for a LOT of photos of my cooking creations on the weekends. I'll also keep a strict record of my weight to see how affected it is by the clean eating streak... just for scientific purposes. I'm <u><i><b>not</b></i></u> doing this for weight loss, but I think it'll be interesting to see how my weight is affected by clean eating.<br /><br />I think it's a great way to start my new year. I'm looking forward to it. Let the meal planning commence!Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-57782735849845681692012-10-25T11:42:00.000+02:002012-10-25T11:42:09.780+02:00There's Always Time!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, then you know I had an epic DNF on my first &amp; only full marathon attempt at the 2011 Venice Marathon. Since getting healthy &amp; fit, I’ve been waffling back &amp; forth about committing again to a full marathon. Having tried this before, I respect the time involved with training for such a huge race. I also know how difficult finding time can be when you’ve got a deployed spouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve got 2 weeks before I have to start “formal” training, so I’m using this time to experiment with my schedule. I’ve spent this week going to bed &amp; waking up early to see if I can readjust my body to a morning run schedule. Today, &amp; for the first time ever, I’m going to attempt 2-3 miles during my lunch break to maximize my time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I need to fit in runs where I can… mostly because I enjoy my 2 mile walks with the dogs after work. I don’t want to give those up. They need the exercise &amp; I need the stress relief. It’s great quality time with my pups. If I can manage running before work or during my lunch break, my home life will be a lot happier. And when Penny comes into running age, I can adjust for that by running with her before work.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a big deal for me. I love lunch breaks… but I spend most of them eating in 10 minutes &amp; napping or reading a book. There are more productive ways to spend that hour. Since I eat at my desk all the time anyway, I might as well hit the track &amp; knock out some miles. The challenge will be cleaning up to go back to work. This is the major reason I’ve never tried this before: I sweat. A lot… And there’s not a great deal of time to shower, get my hair back in order, apply makeup, &amp; be presentable for my job. But I’m going to try very hard today to make this work. It might just mean wearing my hair up more than I do right now. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My scheduling issues are fairly uninteresting, I know. But the point of this post is that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red;">there’s always time</span></u></i></b>. You can find time in your schedule to work full time, take college courses, practice piano, play video games, or even watch 3 hours of TV, &amp; still manage time for fitness. It’s possible, but you have to be “on it.” You have to analyze your schedule &amp; figure out what makes sense for you. It means being organized: packing a gym bag, bringing lunch to work, etc. I decided a long time ago to have two sets of facial wash/kit for this exact reason (less to pack over &amp; over again). You can absolutely make it happen, but you have to plan for it. Planning makes everything easy &amp; effortless. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And remember: there’s always time. </span></div>Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-28805139832238719502012-10-22T15:18:00.000+02:002012-10-22T15:18:18.802+02:00Quality TimeThe original Sunday plan was a 6k Volksmarch up in the hills of Italy. It didn't work out because of illness, so I had a bit of a different kind of Sunday. And it was nice. <br /><br />Penny decided to use my MacBook. Evil laser eyes aside, I'm relieved to discover she's a Mac, <strong><u>not</u></strong> a PC. Yeah, suck it Windows folks. I love Apple. Deal with it.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5802066974434321570" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6WtkjbApsns/UIUVLC4u5KI/AAAAAAAABKk/QpJfO1_W0j0/s400/7.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too much World of Warcraft can break your eyes.</td></tr></tbody></table>Even though my plans were cancelled, I still wanted to take Penny out for a 4 mile walk. She needed the exercise... &amp; so did I. But Hermione, AKA LittleDog, looked up at&nbsp;me with that too-cute face &amp; I felt horribly guilty for leaving her behind. She loves walks; the problem is that she can't keep stride with Penny. But I felt so bad, I couldn't leave her. So I grabbed her leash &amp; changed my plans to a simple walk around the neighborhood. After about a mile, LittleDog needed a break. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5802067070577947058" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VJYtaOFI5wU/UIUVQpDKMbI/AAAAAAAABKs/fMePNBFhNSQ/s400/8.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penny says,"Come on, keep up!"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5802069551565490850" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uEIvSp-knNU/UIUXhDcryqI/AAAAAAAABK8/DpM9rkfGZI4/s400/9.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermione replies, "What can I do? I am small!"</td></tr></tbody></table>After a short break, we kept going &amp; I had to make a decision: push it a bit farther or take Hermione home? I decided to push it a bit farther to make the walk "worth it" for all of us. I took us down a road that separates houses from farm land. I normally love this part of the walk. Even though it's right next the main road, it's so quite in Italian farm land! And Sunday morning was exactly like that...<br /><br />And then I heard shots ring out. Yup! I forgot it's Italian hunting season. Hunters were out shooting birds, so it's not like any guns were actually pointed at us. Even so, I was glad Penny &amp; I were wearing orange.﻿ <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5802069622356961586" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--n6gw_NPfz0/UIUXlLKr6TI/AAAAAAAABLE/eN82Jl6gSUQ/s400/10.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hurray for orange!</td></tr></tbody></table>﻿About 2.25 miles later, we were back at the house. And Hermione pretty much collapsed. Penny still had some energy left, but she still took a nap. I had a doggie-free afternoon because of their napping ...&amp; I took a nap, too. Then I had to get ready for dinner at a friend's house... where there was an early-birthday cake waiting for me!﻿﻿﻿ <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5802069680268701154" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tTqJKJUpp8w/UIUXoi567eI/AAAAAAAABLM/AEbnmQFSRn8/s400/11.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown Red Velvet Cake</td></tr></tbody></table>﻿﻿﻿Let me tell you about my friends:<strong><span style="color: red;">&nbsp;they're awesome</span></strong>.&nbsp;They'd get together all the time for dinner, but I was never able to go because I'm so strict with my meals. When I finally explained why I couldn't join them, they started "cleaning up" the meals so I could join them...how sweet is that? So they asked me my favorite cake type &amp; I said Red Velvet. My friend combined a few different recipes to try &amp; make me a clean-eating Red Velvet Cake. But when you cook with whole wheat flour, there's really no way to put the red into the Red Velvet. No matter how many beets you use for coloring. And it didn't matter because the cake was FANTASTIC! Moist, fluffy, &amp; cream cheese frosting...which wasn't clean, exactly, but entirely worth the splurge. It's simply awesome that my friends respect me &amp; my choices enough to help me stick to my food goals. <br /><br />Another weekend down. Next weekend, it's an actual volksmarch for Penny &amp; I. And more orange. :DBonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-6714473647116959692012-10-20T19:41:00.000+02:002012-10-20T19:41:45.489+02:00Post 1/2 Marathon BlissWhat do you do when you've run a successful half marathon?<br /><br />REST!<br /><br />That's all I've been up to all week. I kept my gym appointments with my trainer, but I chose to do no cardio or heavy lifting. I was not in top shape running that half &amp; gave it everything I had. I felt I needed healing time... &amp; every time I thought I felt better, another part of my body would get sore. It's okay; I honored my body's demands &amp; relaxed. So here's my week. And as usual, I'll try to tell the story in pictures:<br /><br />There was a lot of Frisbee with Penny. I wanted to take her for a few long walks, but my body didn't agree. So we played a lot of Frisbee in the yard. I couldn't believe even my arms were sore, but they were. I used a lot of Icy Hot.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k--EcU0jodk/UIJHSbIZS6I/AAAAAAAABHw/KEKU1nJbD40/s1600/IMG_2723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k--EcU0jodk/UIJHSbIZS6I/AAAAAAAABHw/KEKU1nJbD40/s320/IMG_2723.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bringing it home!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KfhMeBdi_E8/UIJHahlZBVI/AAAAAAAABH4/GNSvGYz6sWg/s1600/IMG_2731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KfhMeBdi_E8/UIJHahlZBVI/AAAAAAAABH4/GNSvGYz6sWg/s320/IMG_2731.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Throw the Frisbee....now!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>After a weekend of Bavarian eating &amp; no cardio, I kept my focus on clean eating. I did very well because I had enough left overs to make it thru Tuesday at work. I cooked Tuesday night, so I was safe for my weekday meals. On Friday, I had my usual weigh-in.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YoJkTkaaCAk/UIJG5RZ8ExI/AAAAAAAABHo/jieD7Nuw8yc/s1600/IMG_2691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YoJkTkaaCAk/UIJG5RZ8ExI/AAAAAAAABHo/jieD7Nuw8yc/s320/IMG_2691.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best. Ever.</td></tr></tbody></table>I don't remember the last time I weighed this. Probably before I was married. I was feeling really good on Friday... right up until lunch. I was supposed to attend lunch time yoga. At about 11:45 AM, I started feeling really bad, like I had no energy. I'd hit a wall &amp; I recognized I needed to sit out. I ate my lunch instead &amp; fell asleep. Hard. Within 10 minutes, I was already dreaming! And then the phone rang! I was a mess after that; I didn't feel well at all. Which led to some seriously bad eating. And since I blew it at lunch, I decided to enjoy a nice dinner out... sushi with a side of Kindle (I'm reading "Along Came a Spider" by James Patterson, btw).<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5801441932760638546" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2POQTgq7ZNU/UILcs1NA5FI/AAAAAAAABIs/KhQNsY5Jh4w/s400/7.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sushi Buffet: my weakness.</td></tr></tbody></table>And today... Saturday. I spent the morning grocery shopping. I spent the day experimenting with new recipes. Yup... this is my first time making hummus in my Vitamix. And it was yummy! I added a bit of extra garlic &amp; lemon juice; I love lemony-fresh flavors.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5801442001495273490" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Xz048ssMbWE/UILcw1QoMBI/AAAAAAAABI0/Is5elnr7U-U/s400/8.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally flexing my Vitamix muscles.</td></tr></tbody></table>After a bit of a break, I started working on the next recipe: pumpkin cupcakes with chocolate pumpkin frosting. It's another recipe from <a href="http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/">Gracious Pantry</a>. She does GREAT pumpkin recipes. I had a lot of fun making these. Generally speaking, I don't like being in the kitchen, but I enjoyed the challenge of from-scratch cooking in the healthiest way I could. Here's the finished product:<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101294431109780106410/262ToGo02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGblaqN6IWN2QE#5801442063626246866" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eundLZBytSg/UILc0ctzmtI/AAAAAAAABI8/gHUqhW0DhGU/s400/9.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin cupcakes w/choco pumpkin frosting</td></tr></tbody></table>Here's the thing: the cupcakes are awesome. They're spongy &amp; lovely &amp; taste fabulous. The frosting, though... nope. Don't really like it at all. Which is a shame because there's a bit less guilt with these. These are definitely going to be my go-to recipe when I have to bring desserts to someone's house. But I'm going to have to do something else for frosting because this frosting just doesn't cut it. It's just a shame to ruin a clean recipe with butter cream frosting... even if I have deep affection for butter cream frosting.<br /><br />Now it's all about relaxing after a busy day. Tomorrow, it's Volksmarch time! 6k walk with Penny, my trainer, &amp; beautiful countryside. And no worries. I'm sure I'll have more photos. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLRP_aKr1Uk/UILiKHnmq0I/AAAAAAAABJw/oSSWGDaIUuA/s1600/Photo+on+10-20-12+at+7.34+PM+%233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLRP_aKr1Uk/UILiKHnmq0I/AAAAAAAABJw/oSSWGDaIUuA/s320/Photo+on+10-20-12+at+7.34+PM+%233.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penny can use PhotoBooth!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674354931666754110.post-3749294142323052382012-10-16T17:59:00.000+02:002012-10-16T17:59:35.025+02:00Race Report Part 2: Racing in BavariaHere we are... the main event. Race Day. <br /><br />My running partner &amp; I started off early.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPcD0ocpOBg/UH2BsBKINFI/AAAAAAAABFs/X_hYbuPVljM/s1600/IMG_2646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPcD0ocpOBg/UH2BsBKINFI/AAAAAAAABFs/X_hYbuPVljM/s320/IMG_2646.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the train again...</td></tr></tbody></table>We wanted to beat the crowds on public transportation &amp; assumed there'd be a Starbucks (what a treat for us) or some other type of cafe to stay warm in &amp; have a drink... &amp; use the bathrooms. I think we were pretty smart; we had seats on every single train we rode &amp; managed to find a restaurant attached to the bag drop zone. We stayed warm, had cappuccinos &amp; croissants, &amp; used the restroom. A lot.<br /><br />The entire time we sat there, we were nervous about the weather. The longer we sat in the cafe, the more we thought it was freezing cold (to us) outside. We were so freaking happy when we finally got outside into the sun, approximately 1 hour before the start. We stripped off, repacked our drop bags, &amp; set off to find the porta potties... because we weren't allowed back in the restaurant (which really pissed us off after ordering 4 cappuccinos &amp; 2 croissants... &amp; leaving a nice tip).<br /><br />One thing I usually forget about pre-race is the idea of throw-aways clothes. I've notice my body likes to freeze before a race, which means starting off in a very uncomfortable way. This time, though, I made sure to bring&nbsp;a pair of Fat Pants.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uOrwC7R2dqM/UH2B0SVA1FI/AAAAAAAABF0/qJ6MT-syQ6g/s1600/IMG_2651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uOrwC7R2dqM/UH2B0SVA1FI/AAAAAAAABF0/qJ6MT-syQ6g/s320/IMG_2651.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />My Fat Pants, as you can see, are about 3 sizes too big for me now. I'd set them aside awhile ago to wear as my throw-aways... &amp; it felt awesome to finally ditch these pants. After that, it was time to head to the line...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-geFFViNnG9I/UH2B4V_swSI/AAAAAAAABF8/96bS8Frilhw/s1600/IMG_2662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-geFFViNnG9I/UH2B4V_swSI/AAAAAAAABF8/96bS8Frilhw/s320/IMG_2662.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoulder to shoulder... &amp; photobombed!</td></tr></tbody></table>...which we barely fit into. We squeezed into the area near the 2:15:00 pace group; I wanted to keep my eye on that balloon. The problem was the&nbsp;race crowd was shoulder-to-shoulder.&nbsp;We didn't get to start running until 11 minutes after the actual start...but it felt more like 20 minutes. And my favorite part of the race is watching everyone cross the start/finish &amp; reach for their watches. I did the exact same thing. It makes me chuckle. Us runners...we certainly love our stats, don't we? I was super-paranoid this time because my last half marathon wasn't recorded properly on my old Garmin (no satellites), making it almost impossible to pace myself.&nbsp;I made sure I didn't have that problem this time around. The gun went off &amp; it was time to run!&nbsp; <br /><br />But the thing is... when it's shoulder-to-shoulder, you can't run. You can trot, you can shuffle, but you can't really run. It took a good 3 miles before I was loose &amp; away from the largest part of the crowd. There were some rolling hills at the beginning, but they weren't that bad &amp; I was able to use the downhill to pick up speed. I knew I had some issues, though: I'd been battled stomach distress all weekend... &amp; it reared its ugly head around Mile 6.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FIuWu1dJDd8/UH2CmTv2tDI/AAAAAAAABGk/aCjsWd41nUw/s1600/orig-MULX0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FIuWu1dJDd8/UH2CmTv2tDI/AAAAAAAABGk/aCjsWd41nUw/s400/orig-MULX0068.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the crisis &amp; looking good</td></tr></tbody></table>I'd made the decision weeks ago to race with my Camelbak on. I'm used to it because of my training &amp; it meant running MY style of race &amp; being able to ignore water stations. The problem was that the stomach distress meant I couldn't tolerate my nutrition (Clif Bloks) or my nuun hydration. Every time I needed nutrition or tried to suck down hydration, I felt like I was going to vomit... or ... well... poop. We're all runners here so we can talk about these gross issues. It&nbsp; was bad. So bad that I ended up taking water at refueling stations. At Mile 11, I called my husband (deployed, btw) to get some words of encouragement. At Mile 12, I knew I wasn't going to hit my goal time, but I kept trying to run as fast as I could. But the dehydration led to cramping, so I was just trying to get thru it &amp; have it all be over. <br /><br />And I hung on... until my watch hit 13.1 miles. And I still wasn't done. WTF?<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8E0A63JN-8/UH2CWEL3BBI/AAAAAAAABGc/3EE3zSqfhgg/s1600/orig-MULK4647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8E0A63JN-8/UH2CWEL3BBI/AAAAAAAABGc/3EE3zSqfhgg/s400/orig-MULK4647.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the Olympic Stadium</td></tr></tbody></table>Turns out, the course was about 13.25 miles, according to my Garmin. So I had to keep running. I was in the Stadium &amp; able to see the finish line by this point &amp; I tried to sprint to the finish. I gave it all... which I know because the cramping afterwards was awful. I crossed the finish line &amp; was awarded a medal by a dude in lederhosen. I managed to find a plastic coat to shield me from the cold wind, downed some water, &amp; watched for my running partner to cross the finish line. Which she did!!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VaF73-PTjys/UH2B6HFUOjI/AAAAAAAABGE/4oSedpdwQUk/s1600/IMG_2672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VaF73-PTjys/UH2B6HFUOjI/AAAAAAAABGE/4oSedpdwQUk/s320/IMG_2672.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy faces, awesome finishers!</td></tr></tbody></table>We were FREEZING at the end, but we couldn't resist hanging out in the middle of Olympic Stadium. Which is where my stomach cramped horribly, so I forced down a bit of banana, an apple, &amp; some chocolate milk. I skipped the finish line beer &amp; pretzel because I knew it'd make me even sicker. Then we had to walk up stairs to get out of the stadium, a particularly cruel exit strategy for people having just run 26.2 or 13.1 miles. By this point, my teeth were chattering &amp; I desperately needed dry clothing. We finally found the bag drop, picked up our stuff, &amp; hauled butt to the bathroom to get changed. I have never been so happy to be naked in a public restroom before that moment!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FoeJIb7SvI/UH2CD5Xu7wI/AAAAAAAABGM/gHXzn0-MWFs/s1600/IMG_2680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FoeJIb7SvI/UH2CD5Xu7wI/AAAAAAAABGM/gHXzn0-MWFs/s400/IMG_2680.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Run &amp; Done!</td></tr></tbody></table>Once we were [mostly] clean, dry, &amp; warm, we headed back to the center of town for dinner. I ate schnitzel with french fries &amp; had a victory beer.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQVWKH-dxT8/UH2CPZgPvGI/AAAAAAAABGU/WJ4U_m6ayrw/s1600/IMG_2683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQVWKH-dxT8/UH2CPZgPvGI/AAAAAAAABGU/WJ4U_m6ayrw/s400/IMG_2683.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hail the victorious runners!</td></tr></tbody></table>And halfway thru dinner, I started to feel very sick. I think it was just too warm in the restaurant because I felt better when I got out into the cold. We hopped the train back to the hotel, where I showered, stretched, &amp; passed out. <br /><br />All in all, a victorious weekend. Sure, I didn't hit my goal time. But I didn't poop myself... &amp; that's a WIN. And remember...<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7gJpLpkrtE/UH2EBl66rZI/AAAAAAAABGs/rznBXOB_BA0/s1600/IMG_2654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7gJpLpkrtE/UH2EBl66rZI/AAAAAAAABGs/rznBXOB_BA0/s640/IMG_2654.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mantra</td></tr></tbody></table>Bonnie Sue Cahillhttps://plus.google.com/101294431109780106410noreply@blogger.com0